Free high school equivalency tests coming soon in New Mexico
New Mexico will soon offer free high school equivalency tests to qualifying residents. (Getty Images)
One hurdle to achieving a high school equivalency certificate will be removed next month when the New Mexico Higher Education Department starts providing free tests to qualifying residents.
House Bill 167, sponsored by Rep. Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), requires the state department to waive test costs for New Mexico residents who are at least 16; are not enrolled in secondary school; do not have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; and who have passed an official practice test showing they are likely to pass the official test.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the bill on April 7, making New Mexico the fifth state in the country to offer residents free equivalency tests. The bill goes into effect on June 20.
Auriella Ortiz, spokesperson for the Higher Education Department, told Source NM in a written statement that removing the 'financial burden' of tests is expected to increase test participation by 20% or more over the next three years. She added that the state has seen a nearly 50% increase in people taking high school equivalency tests since 2021.
Tests can cost more than $145 dollars per test, including fees for the test itself as well as proctoring.
'The passage of House Bill 167 will have a huge impact for our residents and allow them a pathway to basic education and potentially a pathway to higher education at New Mexico's colleges and universities,' Ortiz wrote. 'This legislation removes obstacles that will positively impact tens of thousands of New Mexicans.'
Ortiz explained that the department currently has an ad hoc voucher program to provide free tests to New Mexicans, but there are still some barriers present.
She said New Mexicans who earn a high school diploma or equivalent credential earn $6,465 more annually than those without.
'We should note that, given the average increase in salary just mentioned, the free testing system will pay for itself each year in income tax alone. It's a win for the state,' Ortiz wrote. 'Just as we have invested in tuition-free college and a trained workforce, a program of free high school equivalency tests for all New Mexicans in need is part of our state's continued push for a strong economy.'
Rio Rancho Public Schools Communications Director Wyndham Kemsley told Source NM in an email that while the district is not directly involved in high school equivalency testing, its officials are pleased that the state is expanding access to credentials.
'While the main priority of RRPS is to help our students attain high school diplomas through traditional routes, widening access to high school equivalency testing will undoubtedly benefit our state's workforce,' he wrote.
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